Harmful chemicals must be removed from children’s environment

The Government is strengthening efforts to achieve a toxin-free everyday environment. In the Budget Bill for 2017, the Government proposes chemicals investments amounting to SEK 375 million up to 2020. Hazardous substances can cause cancer, allergies or affect the prospects of conceiving children. Children are particularly sensitive and this is why the Government is focusing on measures to protect children and young people. The Budget Bill for 2017 is based on an agreement between the Government and the Left Party.

"Creating a toxin-free environment is one of the most important and challenging tasks in environment policy. The investments the Government is now making will help to further reduce the risks of chemicals in our everyday environment," says Minister for the Environment Karolina Skog.

The Government is strengthening environmental monitoring of hazardous chemicals. A special initiative is now under way to obtain a comprehensive picture of the pollution caused by persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) that have been found in several drinking water catchments in Sweden.

Funding has been set aside for support to companies that want to substitute hazardous substances in chemical products and goods. The county administrative boards' supervision of polluted areas will receive increased resources. The Swedish Chemicals Agency will also receive additional funds to more quickly process matters concerning pesticides.

A survey will be carried out on the existence of hazardous substances that have not yet been regulated by the EU. This survey will focus on hazardous substances in consumer products in people's everyday lives, and the results can be used to limit their use.

Government taking action against harmful pesticides

In parallel with the budget investments, the Government is tasking the Swedish Chemicals Agency with analysing the need and opportunities to limit Swedish consumers' non-professional use of chemical pesticides on lawns and flowerbeds, for example.

Toxin-free everyday environment, MSEK

2017

2018

2019

2020

Enhanced environmental monitoring

12

42

52

52

Greater knowledge about PFASs/pesticides

10

20

10

10

Increased supervision at county administrative boards of polluted areas

10

20

20

20

Survey of hazardous substances

5

5

5

5

Support to substitution centres

5

5

5

Grant to Swetox – platform for nanosafety

2

2

2

2

Shorter processing times for pesticides at theSwedish Chemicals Agency